Communication method and device, and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the technical field of communication, and provides a communication method, equipment and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: an AP MLD determines at least one first initial control frame, wherein the first initial control frame is used for triggering at least one piece of first auxiliary station equipment STA of the Non-AP MLD to be switched from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; the first auxiliary STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works on an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link; the value of at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA in the first capability communication mode is lower than the value of at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA in the second capability communication mode; the AP MLD transmits at least one first initial control frame. According to the embodiment of the invention, a mode for switching the capability communication mode of the STA working on the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link is provided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

Description

Communication method, device, and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a communication method, device, and storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] The next generation Wi-Fi technology Ultra High Reliability (UHR) aims to improve the reliability of wireless local area network connection, reduce delay, and reduce device-level power consumption, etc. In the UHR technology, an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) and a Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device (Non-AP MLD) can perform data transmission through an Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (eMLSR) mode or an Enhanced Multi-Link Multiple Radio (eMLMR) mode. All or part of the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD can switch through a capability communication mode to reduce device energy consumption and improve spectrum resource utilization.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure provides a communication method, device, and storage medium.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication method, comprising:

[0006] A multi-link access point device AP MLD determines at least one first initial control frame, the first initial control frame being used to trigger at least one first affiliated station device STA of a multi-link station device Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; the first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio eMLSR link or an Enhanced Multi-Link Multiple Radio eMLMR link; at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a lower value in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode;

[0007] The AP MLD sends the at least one first initial control frame.

[0008] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication method, comprising:

[0009] The Non-AP MLD receives at least one first initial control frame, and the first initial control frame is used to trigger at least one first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; the first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link; at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode that is lower than a value in the second capability communication mode.

[0010] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an AP MLD, comprising:

[0011] The processing module is configured to determine at least one first initial control frame, and the first initial control frame is used to trigger at least one first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; the first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link; at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode that is lower than a value in the second capability communication mode.

[0012] The transceiver module is configured to send the at least one first initial control frame.

[0013] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a Non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0014] The transceiver module is configured to receive at least one first initial control frame, and the first initial control frame is used to trigger at least one first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; the first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link; at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode that is lower than a value in the second capability communication mode.

[0015] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, comprising one or more processors; when the communication device is an AP MLD, the processor is configured to execute the communication method provided in the first aspect of the present disclosure; when the communication device is a Non-AP MLD, the processor is configured to execute the communication method provided in the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0016] In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0017] In a seventh aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication system, which includes an AP MLD and a Non-AP MLD; wherein the AP MLD determines and transmits at least one first initial control frame, the first initial control frame being used to trigger at least one first affiliated station device STA of the Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; the first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link; at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode lower than a value in the second capability communication mode; and the Non-AP MLD receives the at least one first initial control frame.

[0018] Based on the communication method, device and storage medium provided in the present disclosure, a way of indicating the STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link of the affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD to perform capability communication mode switching can be provided, which helps to improve communication efficiency.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be described in the following description and become apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the description of the present disclosure. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0021] FIG. 1 is an architecture schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 2a is an interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 2b is another interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 2c is a third interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 2d is a fourth interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 2e is a fifth interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a first flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a second flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a structure diagram of an AP MLD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 6 is a structure diagram of a Non-AP MLD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 7 is a structure diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 8 is a structure diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, device and storage medium.

[0034] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, comprising:

[0035] A multi-link access point device (AP MLD) determines at least one first initial control frame, wherein the first initial control frame is used to trigger at least one first affiliated station device (STA) of a multi-link station device (Non-AP MLD) to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; the first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an enhanced multi-link single radio (eMLSR) link or an enhanced multi-link multi-radio (eMLMR) link; at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a lower value in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0036] The AP MLD transmits the at least one first initial control frame.

[0037] In the above embodiments, in the case that the Non-AP MLD works in the affiliated STA of the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link, and the affiliated STA supports the switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, when the AP MLD needs to communicate with the Non-AP MLD in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode, the AP MLD can trigger the affiliated STA supporting the switching between the capability communication modes and working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link to switch to the second capability communication mode through at least one first initial control frame, so as to facilitate the successful implementation of the communication process between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode, and help improve the communication efficiency.

[0038] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the AP MLD sends the at least one first initial control frame, including:

[0039] The AP MLD sends one first initial control frame through the working link of each of the first affiliated STAs, and each of the first initial control frames is used to trigger the corresponding first affiliated STA of the working link to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode; or

[0040] The AP MLD sends one first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, and the first initial control frame is used to trigger each of the first affiliated STAs to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0041] In the above embodiments, the AP MLD can trigger the corresponding first affiliated STA of the working link to switch to the second capability communication mode by sending the first initial control frame to each of the first affiliated STAs, or trigger all the affiliated STAs to switch to the second capability communication mode by sending one initial control frame to one affiliated STA, and the diversity of the sending mode of the first initial control frame not only facilitates the adaptation to different communication scenarios, but also facilitates the improvement of the switching process between the capability communication modes.

[0042] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, in the case that the AP MLD sends one first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, and each of the first affiliated STAs works in the eMLMR link, the first initial control frame includes a bitmap.

[0043] The bit map includes at least one first identification bit, each first identification bit corresponds to a communication link, and when the identification value of each first identification bit is a first value, it indicates that the affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link needs to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode; and when the identification value of each first identification bit is a second value, it indicates that the affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link does not need to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0044] The identification value of the first identification bit associated with the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link where each first affiliated STA is located is the first value.

[0045] In the above embodiment, when the AP MLD triggers each first affiliated STA working in the eMLMR link to switch to the second capability communication mode through a first initial control frame, the bit map can be used to quickly indicate the switching, which is beneficial to the Non-AP MLD to quickly determine the affiliated STA that needs to switch to the second capability communication mode, thereby improving the capability mode switching efficiency and indirectly improving the communication efficiency.

[0046] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, all second affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD support the capability communication mode switching, or all second affiliated STAs include affiliated STAs that support and do not support the capability communication mode switching.

[0047] The second affiliated STA is an affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link.

[0048] In the above embodiment, when all affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link support the capability communication mode switching, or when they include affiliated STAs that support and do not support the capability communication mode switching, the AP MLD can quickly trigger the affiliated STA that supports the capability communication mode switching and works in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link to switch to the second capability communication mode through the first initial control frame, which is helpful to adapt to different communication requirements due to different capabilities of the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD, and improve the switching efficiency of the capability communication mode.

[0049] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when all the second affiliated STAs support the capability communication mode switching, when the AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA, the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, or includes the first communication parameter of each first affiliated STA, and the first communication parameter includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode.

[0050] When the AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode.

[0051] In the above embodiments, when the AP MLD sends the first initial control frame, the first initial control frame can carry the working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA or the communication parameter including the working bandwidth, which helps each first affiliated STA quickly determine the working bandwidth or the communication parameter after switching to the second capability communication mode, thereby improving the capability communication mode switching efficiency and communication efficiency and saving signaling resources.

[0052] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, or the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, the method further includes:

[0053] The AP MLD sends a second initial control frame, and the second initial control frame is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each first affiliated STA; wherein the second initial control frame further includes the second communication parameter of each first affiliated STA, and the second communication parameter does not include the working bandwidth after switching to the second capability communication mode.

[0054] In the above embodiments, after the AP MLD carries the first affiliated STA switching to the second capability communication mode through the first initial control frame, the AP MLD can also trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each first affiliated STA through the second initial control frame, so as to realize the communication between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode, which not only facilitates the signaling process of the communication between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD, but also carries the communication parameters required for the communication through the second initial control frame, thereby improving the communication efficiency.

[0055] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when each of the above first initial control frames includes the above first communication parameter, each of the above first initial control frames is further used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the corresponding first affiliated STA of the communication link, and the first communication parameter in each of the above first initial control frames further includes at least one of the modulation and coding strategy or the number of spatial streams of the corresponding first affiliated STA of the communication link.

[0056] In the above embodiments, while the AP MLD triggers each first affiliated STA to switch to the second capability communication mode through the first initial control frame, the AP MLD can also trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode through the first initial control frame, so as to save signaling resources while realizing the fast triggering of the capability communication mode switching and the communication between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD. Moreover, the AP MLD can carry the communication parameters required for the communication of the Non-AP MLD through the first initial control frame, which helps to improve the communication efficiency between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD.

[0057] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, in the case where all the above second affiliated STAs include affiliated STAs that support and do not support the above capability communication mode switching, when the AP MLD sends one first initial control frame through the working link of each of the above first affiliated STAs, each of the above first initial control frames includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA after switching to the above second capability communication mode.

[0058] When the AP MLD sends one first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the above first affiliated STAs, the above first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each of the above first affiliated STAs after switching to the above second capability communication mode.

[0059] In the above embodiment, when the AP MLD sends the first initial control frame, the AP MLD can carry the operating bandwidth of each first affiliated STA or a communication parameter including the operating bandwidth through the first initial control frame, which helps each first affiliated STA quickly determine the operating bandwidth or the communication parameter after switching to the second-capability communication mode, thereby improving the capability communication mode switching efficiency and the communication efficiency, and saving signaling resources.

[0060] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0061] The AP MLD sends a third initial control frame, and the third initial control frame is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each second affiliated STA.

[0062] The third initial control frame further includes a third communication parameter of each second affiliated STA, and the third communication parameter is at least one of a modulation and coding strategy or a number of spatial streams.

[0063] In the above embodiment, when the AP MLD carries the operating bandwidth of the first affiliated STA after switching to the second-capability communication mode through the first initial control frame, the AP MLD can further trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each affiliated STA operating in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link through the third initial control frame, so as to realize the communication between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode, which not only helps to complete the signaling process of the communication between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD, but also carries the communication parameter required for the communication through the third initial control frame, thereby improving the communication efficiency.

[0064] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0065] After each first affiliated STA switches to the second-capability communication mode, the AP MLD communicates with the Non-AP MLD through each second affiliated STA.

[0066] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, which includes:

[0067] The Non-AP MLD receives at least one first initial control frame, and the first initial control frame is used to trigger at least one first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode; the first affiliated STA supports the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link; at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode lower than a value in the second capability communication mode.

[0068] In the above embodiments, in the affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link, including the case that the affiliated STA supports the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode switching, when the AP MLD needs to communicate with the Non-AP MLD in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode, the AP MLD can trigger the affiliated STA supporting the capability communication mode switching and working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link to switch to the second capability communication mode through at least one first initial control frame, thereby facilitating the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD to smoothly realize the communication process in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode, and helping to improve the communication efficiency.

[0069] In some embodiments in combination with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the Non-AP MLD receives the at least one first initial control frame, including:

[0070] The Non-AP MLD receives one first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA, and each first initial control frame is used to trigger the corresponding first affiliated STA on the working link to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode; or,

[0071] The Non-AP MLD receives one first initial control frame through the working link of any one first affiliated STA, and the first initial control frame is used to trigger each first affiliated STA to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0072] In the above embodiments, the AP MLD can trigger the first affiliated STAs on the corresponding communication links to switch to the second-capability communication mode by respectively sending a first initial control frame to each first affiliated STA via the working link of the first affiliated STA, or can trigger all the affiliated STAs to switch to the second-capability communication mode by sending one initial control frame to one affiliated STA. The diversity of the sending mode of the first initial control frame not only facilitates adaptation to different communication scenario requirements, but also facilitates improvement of the switching process of the capability communication mode.

[0073] In some embodiments in combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in the case where the AP MLD sends one first initial control frame via the working link of any one of the above first affiliated STAs, and each of the above first affiliated STAs works in an eMLMR link, the first initial control frame includes a bit map.

[0074] The bit map includes at least one first identification bit. Each first identification bit corresponds to a communication link. When the identification value of each first identification bit is a first value, it indicates that the affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link needs to switch from the first-capability communication mode to the second-capability communication mode. When the identification value of each first identification bit is a second value, it indicates that the affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link does not need to switch from the first-capability communication mode to the second-capability communication mode.

[0075] The identification value of the first identification bit associated with the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link in which each first affiliated STA works is the first value.

[0076] In the above embodiments, when the AP MLD triggers each first affiliated STA working in an eMLMR link to switch to the second-capability communication mode by one first initial control frame, the bit map can be used to quickly indicate the affiliated STAs that need to switch to the second-capability communication mode, thereby improving the efficiency of the capability mode switching and indirectly improving the communication efficiency.

[0077] In some embodiments in combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, all the second affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD support the above capability communication mode switching, or all the second affiliated STAs include affiliated STAs that support and do not support the above capability communication mode switching.

[0078] The second affiliated STAs are the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD working in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link.

[0079] In the above embodiments, in the case that all the working STAs of the Non-AP MLD on the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link support the capability communication mode switching, or in the case that the AP MLD includes both the STAs supporting and not supporting the capability communication mode switching, the AP MLD can quickly trigger the STAs supporting the capability communication mode switching and working on the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link to switch to the second capability communication mode through the first initial control frame, which helps to adapt to different communication requirements due to different capabilities of the STAs of the Non-AP MLD and improves the switching efficiency of the capability communication mode.

[0080] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in the case that all the second STAs support the above capability communication mode switching, when the Non-AP MLD receives one first initial control frame through the working link of each first STA, the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, or includes the first communication parameter of each first STA, and the first communication parameter includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first STA after switching to the second capability communication mode.

[0081] When the Non-AP MLD receives one first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first STAs, the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each first STA after switching to the second capability communication mode.

[0082] In the above embodiments, when the AP MLD sends the first initial control frame, the first initial control frame can carry the working bandwidth of each first STA or the communication parameter including the working bandwidth, which helps each first STA to quickly determine the working bandwidth or the communication parameter after switching to the second capability communication mode, thereby improving the switching efficiency of the capability communication mode, the communication efficiency, and saving signaling resources.

[0083] In some embodiments of the second aspect, when each first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, or the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each first STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, the method further includes:

[0084] The Non-AP MLD receives a second initial control frame, and the second initial control frame is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each first affiliated STA; wherein the second initial control frame further comprises a second communication parameter of each first affiliated STA, and the second communication parameter does not comprise a working bandwidth after switching to the second capability communication mode.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the AP MLD can further trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each first affiliated STA by the second initial control frame in the case that the working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode is carried by the first initial control frame, so as to realize the communication between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode, which is not only beneficial to complete the signaling flow of the communication between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD, but also can carry the communication parameter required for the communication by the second initial control frame, thereby improving the communication efficiency.

[0086] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when each first initial control frame comprises the first communication parameter, each first initial control frame is further used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the first affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link, and each first initial control frame further comprises at least one of a modulation and coding strategy or a number of spatial streams of the first affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the AP MLD can trigger each first affiliated STA to switch to the second capability communication mode by the first initial control frame, and can also trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode by the first initial control frame, so as to realize the capability communication mode switching and the fast triggering of the communication between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD while saving signaling resources. Moreover, the AP MLD can carry the communication parameter required for the communication of the Non-AP MLD by the first initial control frame, which is helpful to improve the communication efficiency between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD.

[0088] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, in the case that all second affiliated STAs comprise affiliated STAs supporting and not supporting the capability communication mode switching, when the Non-AP MLD receives one first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA, each first initial control frame comprises a working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link after switching to the second capability communication mode.

[0089] When the Non-AP MLD receives a first initial control frame through any one of the working links of the first affiliated STAs, the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode.

[0090] In the above embodiment, when the AP MLD sends the first initial control frame, the AP MLD can carry the working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA or the communication parameter including the working bandwidth through the first initial control frame, which helps each first affiliated STA quickly determine the working bandwidth or the communication parameter after switching to the second capability communication mode, thereby improving the capability communication mode switching efficiency and the communication efficiency, and saving signaling resources.

[0091] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0092] The Non-AP MLD receives a third initial control frame, and the third initial control frame is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each second affiliated STA.

[0093] The third initial control frame further includes a third communication parameter of each second affiliated STA, and the third communication parameter is at least one of a modulation and coding strategy or a number of spatial streams.

[0094] In the above embodiment, in the case where the AP MLD carries the working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode through the first initial control frame, the AP MLD can further trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link through the third initial control frame, so as to realize the communication between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode, which not only helps to complete the signaling flow of the communication between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD, but also can carry the communication parameter required for the communication through the third initial control frame, thereby improving the communication efficiency.

[0095] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0096] After each first affiliated STA switches to the second capability communication mode, the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through each second affiliated STA.

[0097] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an AP MLD, including:

[0098] The processing module is configured to determine at least one first initial control frame, where the first initial control frame is used to trigger at least one first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; the first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link; and at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode that is lower than a value in the second capability communication mode.

[0099] The transceiver module is configured to send the at least one first initial control frame.

[0100] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a Non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0101] The transceiver module is configured to receive at least one first initial control frame, where the first initial control frame is used to trigger at least one first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; the first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link; and at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode that is lower than a value in the second capability communication mode.

[0102] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication device, comprising one or more processors.

[0103] When the communication device is an AP MLD, the processor executes the communication method provided in the first aspect and the optional implementation of the first aspect, or when the communication device is a Non-AP MLD, the processor executes the communication method provided in the second aspect and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0104] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a storage medium, which stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0105] In a seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a program product, which is executed by a communication device, and causes the communication device to execute the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0106] In an eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program which, when running on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0107] In a ninth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0108] In a tenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes an AP MLD and a Non-AP MLD. The AP MLD determines and sends at least one first initial control frame. The first initial control frame is used to trigger at least one first affiliated station device STA of the Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode. The first affiliated STA supports the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link. At least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a lower value in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode. The Non-AP MLD receives the at least one first initial control frame.

[0109] It can be understood that the AP MLD, the Non-AP MLD, the communication system, the communication device, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip or the chip system are all used to perform the method proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be described here.

[0110] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, device, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms of communication method and information processing method can be replaced with each other, the terms of communication device and information processing device can be replaced with each other, and the terms of information processing system and communication system can be replaced with each other.

[0111] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but only illustrate some embodiments, and are not specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure. In the case of no contradiction, each step in an embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the scheme after removing part of the steps in an embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in an embodiment can be exchanged arbitrarily, in addition, the optional implementation in an embodiment can be combined arbitrarily; in addition, the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, for example, part or all steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, an embodiment can be combined with optional implementation of other embodiments.

[0112] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent if there is no special description and logical conflict, and can be referred to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0113] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments, and not as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0114] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the elements expressed in singular form, such as "one", "a", "the", "the above", "the above", "the above", "this" and the like, can represent "one and only one", and can also represent "one or more", "at least one" and the like. For example, in the case of using articles such as "a", "an", "the" and the like in English, the noun after the article can be understood as singular expression, and can also be understood as plural expression.

[0115] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0116] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of", "one or more", "a plurality of", "multiple" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0117] In some embodiments, "at least one of A, B", "A and / or B", "in one case A, in another case B", "responsive to case A, responsive to case B" and the like, can be interpreted to include both cases, A and B, in some embodiments, A (A is performed regardless of B), in some embodiments, B (B is performed regardless of A), in some embodiments, selected from the group consisting of A and B (the selection between A and B is an option), in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are performed).

[0118] In some embodiments, "A or B" and the like, can be interpreted to include both cases, A and B, in some embodiments, A (A is performed regardless of B), in some embodiments, B (B is performed regardless of A), in some embodiments, selected from the group consisting of A and B (the selection between A and B is an option).

[0119] In some embodiments, the prefix words "first", "second", and the like, are used only to distinguish different description objects, and do not limit the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the description objects, and the description objects are described in the claims or embodiments according to the context, and should not be construed as redundant limitations because of the use of prefix words. For example, the description object is "field", and the ordinal words before "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or order between "fields", and "first" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" modified by them are in the same message or not, nor limit the order of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the description object is "level", and the ordinal words before "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the quantity of the description object is not limited by the ordinal words, and can be one or more, for example, "first device", where the quantity of "device" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different, for example, the description object is "device", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, the description object is "information", and "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0120] In some embodiments, "including A", "containing A", "for indicating A", "carrying A", can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0121] In some embodiments, the terms "in response to", "in response to determining", "in the case of", "when", "when", "if", "if" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0122] In some embodiments, the terms "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not lower than", "above", and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "fewer than", "fewer than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", "below", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0123] In some embodiments, the data, information, and the like can be obtained in compliance with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is located.

[0124] In some embodiments, the data, information, and the like can be obtained after obtaining the consent of the user.

[0125] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0126] To solve the above problems, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely in combination with the accompanying drawings below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative labor are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0127] FIG. 1 is an architecture schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 includes an AP MLD 101 and a Non-AP MLD 102.

[0129] Optionally, the AP MLD 101 can be a UHR AP MLD, and the Non-AP MLD 102 can be a UHR Non-AP MLD.

[0130] Among them, the AP MLD 101 can include multiple affiliated APs, and the Non-AP MLD 102 can include multiple affiliated STAs. Each affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD 102 can be associated with an affiliated AP of the AP MLD 101.

[0131] Among them, each affiliated AP of the AP MLD 101 can respectively work on a communication link at a different frequency, and each affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD 102 can respectively work on a communication link at a different frequency.

[0132] As an example, the affiliated AP1 of the AP MLD 101 can communicate with the affiliated STA1 of the Non-AP MLD 102 at link1, similarly, the affiliated AP2 of the AP MLD 101 can communicate with the affiliated STA2 of the Non-AP MLD 102 at link2, and the affiliated AP3 of the AP MLD 101 can communicate with the affiliated STA3 of the Non-AP MLD 102 at link3. In addition, Link 1 to Link 3 can be multiple connections at different frequencies, for example, connections (or links) at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, or several connections at the same or different bandwidths at 2.4GHz. In addition, there can be multiple channels under each connection.

[0133] Among them, the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD 102 can all support the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, or among the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD 102, some support the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0134] Among them, the AP MLD 101 and the Non-AP MLD 102 support communication in eMLSR mode, and can also support communication in eMLMR mode. In the eMLSR mode, the AP MLD 101 and the Non-AP MLD 102 can communicate through an eMLSR link, and support switching between multiple frequency band links. In the eMLMR mode, the AP MLD 101 and the Non-AP MLD 102 can communicate through multiple eMLMR links.

[0135] Among them, for any one of the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD 102, the STA can support communication in eMLSR mode while supporting the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, or the STA can support communication in eMLMR mode while supporting the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0136] Optionally, the STA can also support communication in eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode while not supporting the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0137] When the AP MLD 101 needs to communicate with at least one first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD 102, the AP MLD 101 can determine and send at least one initial control frame. For example, one initial control frame is sent, through which the at least one first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD 102 is triggered to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, or multiple initial control frames are sent, through each initial control frame, one first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD 102 is triggered to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0138] The first affiliated STA works in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link and supports the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and the first affiliated STA is in the first capability communication mode.

[0139] The initial control frame can also trigger the Non-AP MLD 102 to communicate with the AP MLD 101 through the affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link after each first affiliated STA switches to the second capability communication mode.

[0140] Alternatively, the AP MLD 101 can further send an initial control frame again after sending the first initial control frame to trigger the Non-AP MLD 102 to communicate with the AP MLD 101 through the affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link after each first affiliated STA switches to the second capability communication mode, that is, to realize the AP MLD 101 and the Non-AP MLD 102 to communicate in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode.

[0141] The first capability communication mode in the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be referred to as a low capability communication mode, and the second capability communication mode can also be referred to as a high capability communication mode.

[0142] The value of at least one working parameter of any communication device in the first capability communication mode is lower than that in the second capability communication mode. For example, the value of at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA in FIG. 1 in the first capability communication mode is lower than that in the second capability communication mode.

[0143] The working parameters include but are not limited to one or more of a modulation and coding scheme (MCS), a spatial stream (SS) number, or a channel bandwidth (BW), and the channel bandwidth can also be understood as a working bandwidth.

[0144] The working parameters corresponding to the first capability communication mode can be preset values, minimum parameter values corresponding to the respective working parameters, or parameter value ranges corresponding to the respective working parameters, and the disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0145] As an example, the channel bandwidth corresponding to the first capability communication mode is 20 MHz, the number of spatial streams is 1, and the modulation and coding strategy is up to MCS6. The channel bandwidth of the second capability communication mode is greater than or equal to 20 MHz, the number of spatial streams is greater than 1, and the MCS is not limited. Alternatively, the channel bandwidth of the second capability communication mode is greater than 20 MHz, the number of spatial streams is greater than or equal to 1, and the MCS is not limited.

[0146] It should be particularly noted that the values of the working parameters of the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode described above are only examples, and the disclosure is not limited in this regard in actual applications.

[0147] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the disclosure is used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in the embodiments of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art can know that, as the system architecture evolves and new business scenarios appear, the technical solutions proposed in the embodiments of the disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0148] The following embodiments of the disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1 or part of the subject, but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in FIG. 1 are examples, and the communication system can include all or part of the subjects in FIG. 1, or other subjects other than those in FIG. 1. The number and form of each subject is arbitrary, each subject can be physical or virtual, and the link relationship between each subject is an example. The link can be in any way, can be a direct link or an indirect link, and can be a wired link or a wireless link.

[0149] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as can be applicable to IEEE 802.11 system standards, for example, 802.11a / b / g standards, 802.11n standards, 802.11ac standards, 802.11ax standards, 802.11bf, 802.11be standards, or the next generation thereof, for example, 802.11bn. Alternatively, embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applicable to a wireless local area network system such as an internet of things (IoT) network or a vehicle to X (V2X) network. Of course, embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applicable to other possible communication systems, for example, a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD), a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, and a 5th generation (5G) communication system, etc.

[0150] FIG. 2a is one of the interaction schematic diagrams of the communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method shown in FIG. 2a includes:

[0151] S211, the AP MLD sends, through the working link of each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD, a first initial control frame respectively, and each first initial control frame is used to trigger the corresponding first affiliated STA of the working link to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first affiliated STA is an affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD, which works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link and supports the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0153] Wherein, the first affiliated STA is in the first capability communication mode.

[0154] The at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a lower value in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode. The working parameter of the first affiliated STA includes, but is not limited to, one or more of a working bandwidth, a modulation and coding strategy, or a number of spatial streams, without limitation.

[0155] The affiliated STA of the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link of the Non-AP MLD supports switching of the capability communication mode between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0156] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD needs to communicate with the Non-AP MLD in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode, the AP MLD sends one first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD, respectively.

[0157] The AP MLD can use an enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) mechanism to compete for the channel when sending one first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA, so as to send one initial control frame through different working links at different times, respectively.

[0158] Each first initial control frame is used to trigger the corresponding first affiliated STA to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0159] The sending time of each first initial control frame is different, and the AP MLD sends each first initial control frame at different times. In other words, the receiving time of each first initial control frame is different, and the Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame through each first affiliated STA at different times, so that the Non-AP MLD can receive each first initial control frame through the first affiliated STA in time division.

[0160] The Non-AP MLD receives one initial control frame through the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link of each first affiliated STA.

[0161] S212, the Non-AP MLD triggers each first affiliated STA to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0162] In some embodiments, after the Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame through each first affiliated STA, the Non-AP MLD can trigger the corresponding first affiliated STA to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0163] For example, the Non-AP MLD can trigger the first affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode after the first affiliated STA receives the first initial control frame.

[0164] In some embodiments, each first initial control frame comprises a working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, i.e., a communication bandwidth of the first affiliated STA in the second capability communication mode.

[0165] In some embodiments, each first initial control frame comprises a working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, i.e., a communication bandwidth of the first affiliated STA in the second capability communication mode.

[0166] In some embodiments, each first initial control frame comprises a working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, i.e., a communication bandwidth of the first affiliated STA in the second capability communication mode.

[0167] In some embodiments, each first initial control frame comprises a working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, i.e., a communication bandwidth of the first affiliated STA in the second capability communication mode.

[0168] In some embodiments, the AP MLD can continue to send the second initial control frame after sending each first initial control frame.

[0169] In some embodiments, the AP MLD can continue to send the second initial control frame after sending each first initial control frame.

[0170] In some embodiments, the AP MLD can continue to send the second initial control frame after sending each first initial control frame.

[0171] The Non-AP MLD can include a plurality of first affiliated STAs operating in the eMLMR link and supporting the capability communication mode switching in the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD, and in this case, the Non-AP MLD can receive the second initial control frame through each eMLMR link.

[0172] The second initial control frame can be a Multi-User Request-To-Send (MU-RTS) frame.

[0173] The second initial control frame further includes a second communication parameter of each first affiliated STA, and the second communication parameter of each first affiliated STA is a communication parameter when the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through the first affiliated STA.

[0174] The second communication parameter of each first affiliated STA includes one or more of, but is not limited to, a modulation and coding strategy or a number of spatial streams, without limitation.

[0175] The second communication parameter of each first affiliated STA does not include a working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode.

[0176] In some embodiments, the bandwidth of the second initial control frame is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the first initial control frame.

[0177] The bandwidth of the first initial control frame can be set according to an actual scene, for example, the bandwidth of the first initial control frame can be 20 MHz, and the bandwidth of the second initial control frame can be greater than or equal to 20 MHz, without limitation.

[0178] S214, the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through each first affiliated STA.

[0179] In some embodiments, after each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD switches to the second capability communication mode and receives the second initial control frame, the Non-AP MLD can communicate with the AP MLD through an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link in which each first affiliated STA is located. That is, after each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD switches to the second capability communication mode and receives the second initial control frame, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD can communicate in an eMLSR mode or an eMLMR mode.

[0180] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one or a combination of steps S211-S214 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S211-S214 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0181] FIG. 2b is a second interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method shown in FIG. 2b includes:

[0182] S221, the AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, and the first initial control frame is used to trigger each of the first affiliated STAs to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first affiliated STAs are affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD, and the affiliated STAs work in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link and support the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first affiliated STAs are affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD, and the affiliated STAs work in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link and support the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first affiliated STAs are affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD, and the affiliated STAs work in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link and support the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first affiliated STAs are affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD, and the affiliated STAs work in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link and support the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0187] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD needs to communicate with the Non-AP MLD in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode, the AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD.

[0188] For example, the AP MLD can send a first initial control frame through an eMLSR link between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD, or the AP MLD can send a first initial control frame through any one of the eMLMR links between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first initial control frame is used to trigger each of the first affiliated STAs to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0190] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD transmits a first initial control frame through the operating link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, and each of the first affiliated STAs operates in an eMLMR link, the first initial control frame comprises a bitmap.

[0191] Optionally, the bitmap comprises a plurality of first identification bits, each of which is associated with a communication link between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD. When the identification value of each of the first identification bits is a first value, it is used to identify that the affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD operating in the corresponding communication link switches from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, and when the identification value of each of the first identification bits is a second value, it is used to identify that the affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD operating in the corresponding communication link does not need to perform capability communication mode switching.

[0192] In some embodiments, the AP MLD can determine the identification value of the first identification bit corresponding to the eMLMR link or the eMLSR link in which each of the first affiliated STAs operates in the bitmap to be the first value, which is used to identify that the corresponding first affiliated STA in the communication link switches from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first value and the second value are not limited herein, for example, the first value can be 1, and the second value can be 0.

[0194] S222, the Non-AP MLD triggers each of the first affiliated STAs to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0195] In some embodiments, after the Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame through the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link in which one of the affiliated STAs operates, it can trigger each of the first affiliated STAs to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0196] For example, after the Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame through the first affiliated STA operating in the eMLSR link, it can trigger the first affiliated STA to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode. After the Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame through any one of the first affiliated STAs operating in the eMLMR link, it can trigger each of the first affiliated STAs to switch to the second capability communication mode.

[0197] S223, the AP MLD transmits a second initial control frame, which is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each of the first affiliated STAs.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first initial control frame sent by the AP MLD comprises a working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, i.e., a communication bandwidth of each first affiliated STA in the second capability communication mode.

[0199] For each first affiliated STA, the communication bandwidth of the first affiliated STA comprised in the first initial control frame is used to identify that, after receiving the first initial control frame, the Non-AP MLD receives a second initial control frame sent by the AP MLD through the corresponding first affiliated STA in the communication link.

[0200] The second initial control frame is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each first affiliated STA, i.e., to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode.

[0201] In some embodiments, the AP MLD can continue to send the second initial control frame after sending the first initial control frame.

[0202] The AP MLD can send the second initial control frame in a broadcast manner, and the Non-AP MLD can receive the second initial control frame through the communication link (one eMLSR link or multiple eMLMR links) in which each first affiliated STA is located.

[0203] In this case, the Non-AP MLD only receives the second initial control frame in one eMLSR link.

[0204] In this case, the Non-AP MLD can receive the second initial control frame through each eMLMR link.

[0205] The second initial control frame can be a Multi-User Request-To-Send (MU-RTS) frame.

[0206] The second initial control frame further comprises a second communication parameter of each first affiliated STA, and the second communication parameter of each first affiliated STA is a communication parameter when the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through the first affiliated STA.

[0207] The second communication parameter of each first affiliated STA includes, but is not limited to, one or more of a modulation and coding strategy or a number of spatial streams, without limitation.

[0208] The second communication parameter of each first affiliated STA does not include a working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second-capability communication mode.

[0209] In some embodiments, the bandwidth of the second initial control frame is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the first initial control frame.

[0210] The bandwidth of the first initial control frame can be set according to an actual scenario, for example, the bandwidth of the first initial control frame can be 20 MHz, and the bandwidth of the second initial control frame can be greater than or equal to 20 MHz, without limitation.

[0211] S224, the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through each first affiliated STA.

[0212] In some embodiments, after each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD switches to the second-capability communication mode and receives the second initial control frame, the Non-AP MLD can communicate with the AP MLD through an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link where each first affiliated STA is located. That is, after each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD switches to the second-capability communication mode and receives the second initial control frame, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD can communicate in an eMLSR mode or an eMLMR mode.

[0213] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one step or a combination of any multiple steps of steps S221-S224 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S221-S224 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0214] FIG. 2c is a third interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method shown in FIG. 2c includes:

[0215] S231, the AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through a working link of each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD, and each first initial control frame is used to trigger the corresponding first affiliated STA of the working link to switch from the first-capability communication mode to the second-capability communication mode, and trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the corresponding first affiliated STA of the working link.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first affiliated STA is one of the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD, and is capable of switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0217] The first affiliated STA is in the first capability communication mode.

[0218] The first affiliated STA has at least one working parameter, and a value of the at least one working parameter in the first capability communication mode is lower than a value of the at least one working parameter in the second capability communication mode. The working parameters of the first affiliated STA include, but are not limited to, one or more of a working bandwidth, a modulation and coding strategy, or a number of spatial streams, without limitation.

[0219] All of the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD that work on the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link support switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0220] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD needs to communicate with the Non-AP MLD in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode, the AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through each working link of each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD.

[0221] The AP MLD can use an EDCA mechanism to contend for a channel when sending the first initial control frame through each working link of each first affiliated STA, so as to send the first initial control frame through different working links at different times.

[0222] Each first initial control frame is used to trigger the corresponding first affiliated STA to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0223] The sending time of each first initial control frame is different, and the AP MLD sends each first initial control frame at different times. In other words, the receiving time of each first initial control frame is different, and the Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame through each first affiliated STA at different times, so that the Non-AP MLD can receive each first initial control frame through the first affiliated STA in time division.

[0224] The Non-AP MLD receives one initial control frame through the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link of each first affiliated STA.

[0225] S232, the Non-AP MLD triggers each first affiliated STA to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0226] In some embodiments, the Non-AP MLD can trigger each first affiliated STA to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode after the Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame through the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link on which the first affiliated STA is located.

[0227] For example, the Non-AP MLD can trigger the first affiliated STA working on the eMLSR link to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode after the Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame through the first affiliated STA working on the eMLSR link. The Non-AP MLD can trigger each first affiliated STA to switch to the second capability communication mode after the Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame through any one of the first affiliated STAs working on the eMLMR link.

[0228] S233, the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through each first affiliated STA.

[0229] In some embodiments, the Non-AP MLD can communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link on which each first affiliated STA is located after each first affiliated STA switches to the second capability communication mode. That is, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD can communicate in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode after each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD switches to the second capability communication mode and receives the second initial control frame.

[0230] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one or any combination of steps S231-S233 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S231-S233 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0231] FIG. 2d is a fourth interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method shown in FIG. 2d includes:

[0232] S241, the AP MLD respectively sends a first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD, and each first initial control frame is used to trigger the corresponding first affiliated STA on the working link to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first affiliated STA is one of the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD, and is configured to operate in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link and support switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0234] The first affiliated STA is in the first capability communication mode.

[0235] The first affiliated STA has at least one working parameter, and a value of the at least one working parameter in the first capability communication mode is lower than a value of the at least one working parameter in the second capability communication mode. The working parameter of the first affiliated STA includes, but is not limited to, one or more of a working bandwidth, a modulation and coding strategy, or a number of spatial streams, without limitation.

[0236] The first affiliated STA has at least one working parameter, and a value of the at least one working parameter in the first capability communication mode is lower than a value of the at least one working parameter in the second capability communication mode. The working parameter of the first affiliated STA includes, but is not limited to, one or more of a working bandwidth, a modulation and coding strategy, or a number of spatial streams, without limitation.

[0237] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD needs to communicate with the Non-AP MLD in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode, the AP MLD sends one first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD respectively.

[0238] The first initial control frame is used to trigger the corresponding first affiliated STA of the working link to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0239] The sending time of each first initial control frame is different. In other words, the receiving time of each first initial control frame is different. The Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frames through each first affiliated STA at different times, and the Non-AP MLD can receive the first initial control frames through the first affiliated STAs in time division.

[0240] The Non-AP MLD receives one initial control frame through the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link of each first affiliated STA.

[0241] The AP MLD can use the EDCA mechanism to compete for the channel when sending one first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA, so as to send one initial control frame through different working links at different times.

[0242] S242, the Non-AP MLD triggers each first affiliated STA to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0243] In some embodiments, the Non-AP MLD can trigger each first affiliated STA to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode after the first affiliated STA receives the first initial control frame.

[0244] For example, the Non-AP MLD can trigger each first affiliated STA to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode after the first affiliated STA receives the first initial control frame.

[0245] S243, sending a third initial control frame, the third initial control frame is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link.

[0246] In some embodiments, each first initial control frame includes a working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, i.e., the communication bandwidth of the first affiliated STA in the second capability communication mode.

[0247] In some embodiments, each first initial control frame includes a working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, i.e., the communication bandwidth of the first affiliated STA in the second capability communication mode.

[0248] In some embodiments, each first initial control frame includes a working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, i.e., the communication bandwidth of the first affiliated STA in the second capability communication mode.

[0249] In some embodiments, the AP MLD can continue to send the third initial control frame after sending each first initial control frame.

[0250] In some embodiments, the AP MLD can continue to send the third initial control frame after sending each first initial control frame.

[0251] Among them, only one first affiliated STA working in eMLSR link and supporting capability communication mode switching can be included in the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD, in which case the Non-AP MLD will only receive the third initial control frame under one eMLSR link.

[0252] Among them, multiple first affiliated STAs working in eMLMR link and supporting capability communication mode switching can be included in the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD, in which case the Non-AP MLD can receive the third initial control frame through each eMLMR link.

[0253] Among them, the third initial control frame can be a Multi-User Request-To-Send (MU-RTS) frame.

[0254] Among them, the third initial control frame further includes a third communication parameter of each second affiliated STA, and the third communication parameter of each second affiliated STA is a communication parameter when the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through the second affiliated STA.

[0255] Among them, each second affiliated STA is an affiliated STA that communicates with the AP MLD through the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link.

[0256] Among them, the third communication parameter of each second affiliated STA includes but is not limited to one or more of a modulation and coding strategy or a number of spatial streams, without limitation.

[0257] In some embodiments, the bandwidth of the third initial control frame is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the first initial control frame.

[0258] Among them, the bandwidth of the first initial control frame can be set according to the actual scene, for example, the bandwidth of the first initial control frame can be 20MHz, and the bandwidth of the third initial control frame can be greater than or equal to 20MHz, without limitation.

[0259] S244, the affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through the working link which is the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link.

[0260] In some embodiments, after each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD switches to the second-capability communication mode and receives the third initial control frame, the Non-AP MLD can communicate with the AP MLD through an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link on which each second affiliated STA is located. That is, after each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD switches to the second-capability communication mode and receives the third initial control frame, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD can communicate in an eMLSR mode or an eMLMR mode.

[0261] The communication method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one or a combination of steps S241-S244 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S241-S244 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0262] FIG. 2e is a fifth interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method shown in FIG. 2e includes:

[0263] S251, the AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through a working link of any one first affiliated STA, and the first initial control frame is used to trigger at least one first affiliated STA to switch from a first-capability communication mode to a second-capability communication mode.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first affiliated STA is an affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD, which works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link and supports switching of a capability communication mode between the first-capability communication mode and the second-capability communication mode.

[0265] In some embodiments, the first affiliated STA is in the first-capability communication mode.

[0266] In some embodiments, at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first-capability communication mode lower than a value in the second-capability communication mode. The working parameter of the first affiliated STA includes but is not limited to one or more of a working bandwidth, a modulation and coding strategy, or a number of spatial streams, without limitation.

[0267] In some embodiments, all affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link include an affiliated STA supporting switching of a capability communication mode between the first-capability communication mode and the second-capability communication mode, and an affiliated STA not supporting switching of a capability communication mode between the first-capability communication mode and the second-capability communication mode.

[0268] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD needs to communicate with the Non-AP MLD through the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode, the AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through the operating link of any one of the first affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD.

[0269] For example, the AP MLD can send a first initial control frame through an eMLSR link between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD, or the AP MLD can send a first initial control frame through any one of the eMLMR links between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD.

[0270] The first initial control frame is used to trigger each of the first affiliated STAs to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0271] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through the operating link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, and each of the first affiliated STAs operates in an eMLMR link, the first initial control frame includes a bitmap.

[0272] Optionally, the bitmap includes a plurality of first identification bits, each of which is associated with a communication link between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD. When the identification value of each of the first identification bits is a first value, it is used to identify that the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD operating in the corresponding communication link switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode. When the identification value of each of the first identification bits is a second value, it is used to identify that the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD operating in the corresponding communication link do not need to switch the capability communication mode.

[0273] The AP MLD can determine the identification value of the first identification bit corresponding to the eMLMR link or the eMLSR link in which each of the first affiliated STAs operates in the bitmap to be the first value, which is used to identify that the corresponding first affiliated STA in the communication link switches from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0274] The first value and the second value are not limited herein, for example, the first value can be 1 and the second value can be 0.

[0275] S252, the Non-AP MLD triggers each of the first affiliated STAs to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0276] In some embodiments, after the Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame through the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link of one of the affiliated STAs, it can trigger each of the first affiliated STAs to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0277] For example, the Non-AP MLD can trigger each first affiliated STA to switch to the second capability communication mode after the first affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link receives the first initial control frame.

[0278] S253, sending a third initial control frame, the third initial control frame being used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link.

[0279] In some embodiments, each first initial control frame comprises a working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, i.e., the communication bandwidth of the first affiliated STA in the second capability communication mode.

[0280] In some embodiments, each first initial control frame comprises a working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, i.e., the communication bandwidth of the first affiliated STA in the second capability communication mode.

[0281] In some embodiments, each first initial control frame comprises a working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, i.e., the communication bandwidth of the first affiliated STA in the second capability communication mode.

[0282] In some embodiments, the AP MLD can continue to send the third initial control frame after sending each first initial control frame.

[0283] In some embodiments, the AP MLD can continue to send the third initial control frame after sending each first initial control frame.

[0284] In some embodiments, the AP MLD can continue to send the third initial control frame after sending each first initial control frame.

[0285] The Non-AP MLD can include a plurality of first affiliated STAs operating in the eMLMR link and supporting the capability communication mode switching in the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD, in which case the Non-AP MLD can receive the third initial control frame through each eMLMR link.

[0286] The third initial control frame can be a Multi-User Request-To-Send (MU-RTS) frame.

[0287] The third initial control frame further includes a third communication parameter of each second affiliated STA, and the third communication parameter of each second affiliated STA is a communication parameter when the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through the second affiliated STA.

[0288] Each second affiliated STA is an affiliated STA that communicates with the AP MLD through the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link.

[0289] The third communication parameter of each second affiliated STA includes, but is not limited to, one or more of a modulation and coding strategy or a number of spatial streams, without limitation.

[0290] In some embodiments, the bandwidth of the third initial control frame is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the first initial control frame.

[0291] The bandwidth of the first initial control frame can be set according to an actual scenario, for example, the bandwidth of the first initial control frame can be 20 MHz, and the bandwidth of the third initial control frame can be greater than or equal to 20 MHz, without limitation.

[0292] S254, the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through the affiliated STA operating in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link.

[0293] In some embodiments, after each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD switches to the second capability communication mode and receives the third initial control frame, the Non-AP MLD can communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link in which each second affiliated STA is located. That is, after each first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD switches to the second capability communication mode and receives the third initial control frame, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD can communicate in the eMLSR mode or the eMLMR mode.

[0294] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one or any combination of steps S251-S254 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S251-S254 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0295] FIG. 3 is one of flow diagrams of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the method is performed by an AP MLD, and the method includes:

[0296] S31, determining at least one first initial control frame, the first initial control frame being used to trigger at least one first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode.

[0297] In some embodiments, the first affiliated STA is one of the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD, and is an affiliated STA that operates in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link and supports switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0298] In some embodiments, the first affiliated STA is in the first capability communication mode.

[0299] In some embodiments, at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode that is lower than a value in the second capability communication mode. The working parameter of the first affiliated STA includes, but is not limited to, one or more of a working bandwidth, a modulation and coding strategy, or a number of spatial streams, without limitation.

[0300] S32, transmitting the at least one first initial control frame.

[0301] In some embodiments, the AP MLD transmits one first initial control frame through a working link of each first affiliated STA, each first initial control frame being used to trigger the corresponding first affiliated STA on the working link to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, and the transmission time of each first initial control frame is different.

[0302] In some embodiments, the AP MLD transmits the at least one first initial control frame, including:

[0303] The AP MLD transmits one first initial control frame through a working link of each first affiliated STA, each first initial control frame being used to trigger the corresponding first affiliated STA on the working link to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode; or,

[0304] The AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, and the first initial control frame is used to trigger each first affiliated STA to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0305] In some embodiments, in the case that the AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, and each first affiliated STA works in an eMLMR link, the first initial control frame includes a bit map;

[0306] The bit map includes at least one first identification bit, each first identification bit corresponds to a communication link, and when the identification value of each first identification bit is a first value, it indicates that the affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link switches from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode; and when the identification value of each first identification bit is a second value, it indicates that the affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link does not need to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0307] The identification value of the first identification bit associated with the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link where each first affiliated STA is located is the first value.

[0308] In some embodiments, all second affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD support capability communication mode switching, or all second affiliated STAs include affiliated STAs that support and do not support capability communication mode switching.

[0309] The second affiliated STA is an affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD working in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link.

[0310] In some embodiments, in the case that all second affiliated STAs support capability communication mode switching, when the AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA, each first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link after switching to the second capability communication mode, or includes the first communication parameter of each first affiliated STA, and the first communication parameter includes the working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link after switching to the second capability communication mode.

[0311] When the AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode.

[0312] In some embodiments, when each first initial control frame includes the operating bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA after switching to the second-capability communication mode, or when the first initial control frame includes the operating bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second-capability communication mode, the method further includes:

[0313] The AP MLD sends a second initial control frame, and the second initial control frame is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each first affiliated STA; wherein the second initial control frame further includes second communication parameters of each first affiliated STA, and the second communication parameters do not include the operating bandwidth after switching to the second-capability communication mode.

[0314] In some embodiments, when each first initial control frame includes the first communication parameters, each first initial control frame is further used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the corresponding first affiliated STA of the communication link, and the first communication parameters in each first initial control frame further include at least one of the modulation and coding strategy or the number of spatial streams of the corresponding first affiliated STA of the communication link.

[0315] In some embodiments, in the case that all second affiliated STAs include affiliated STAs that support and do not support the capability communication mode switching, when the AP MLD sends one first initial control frame through the operating link of each first affiliated STA, respectively, each first initial control frame includes the operating bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA after switching to the second-capability communication mode.

[0316] When the AP MLD sends one first initial control frame through the operating link of any one first affiliated STA, the first initial control frame includes the operating bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second-capability communication mode.

[0317] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0318] The AP MLD sends a third initial control frame, and the third initial control frame is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each second affiliated STA.

[0319] The third initial control frame further includes third communication parameters of each second affiliated STA, and the third communication parameters include at least one of the modulation and coding strategy or the number of spatial streams.

[0320] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0321] After each first affiliated STA switches to the second-capability communication mode, the AP MLD communicates with the Non-AP MLD through each second affiliated STA.

[0322] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one of steps S31-S32 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S31-S32 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0323] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another embodiment of the communication method according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the method is performed by the Non-AP MLD, and the method includes:

[0324] S41, receiving at least one first initial control frame, the first initial control frame being used to trigger at least one first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode.

[0325] In some embodiments, the first affiliated STA is an affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD, which works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link and supports switching of the capability communication mode between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0326] In some embodiments, the first affiliated STA is in the first capability communication mode.

[0327] In some embodiments, the first affiliated STA is in the first capability communication mode.

[0328] In some embodiments, the Non-AP MLD receives at least one first initial control frame, including:

[0329] The Non-AP MLD receives one first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA, and each first initial control frame is used to trigger the corresponding first affiliated STA on the working link to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode; or,

[0330] The Non-AP MLD receives one first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, and the first initial control frame is used to trigger each first affiliated STA to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0331] In some embodiments, in the case that the AP MLD sends one first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, and each first affiliated STA works in an eMLMR link, the first initial control frame includes a bitmap.

[0332] The bit map includes at least one first identification bit, each first identification bit corresponds to a communication link, and when the identification value of each first identification bit is a first value, it indicates that the affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link needs to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode; and when the identification value of each first identification bit is a second value, it indicates that the affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link does not need to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0333] In some embodiments, the identification value of the first identification bit associated with the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link where each first affiliated STA is located is the first value.

[0334] In some embodiments, all second affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD support capability communication mode switching, or all second affiliated STAs include affiliated STAs that support and do not support capability communication mode switching.

[0335] In some embodiments, the second affiliated STA is an affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD that operates in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link.

[0336] In some embodiments, when all second affiliated STAs support capability communication mode switching, when the Non-AP MLD receives one first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA, each first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link after switching to the second capability communication mode, or includes the first communication parameter of each first affiliated STA, and the first communication parameter includes the working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link after switching to the second capability communication mode.

[0337] When the Non-AP MLD receives one first initial control frame through the working link of any one first affiliated STA, the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode.

[0338] In some embodiments, when each first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of the first affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link after switching to the second capability communication mode, or the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, the method further includes:

[0339] The Non-AP MLD receives a second initial control frame, and the second initial control frame is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each first affiliated STA; wherein the second initial control frame further comprises second communication parameters of each first affiliated STA, and the second communication parameters do not comprise a working bandwidth after switching to the second-capability communication mode.

[0340] In some embodiments, when each first initial control frame comprises the first communication parameters, each first initial control frame is further used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the corresponding first affiliated STA of the communication link, and each first initial control frame further comprises at least one of a modulation and coding strategy or a number of spatial streams of the corresponding first affiliated STA of the communication link.

[0341] In some embodiments, when the Non-AP MLD receives one first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA, each first initial control frame comprises a working bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA of the communication link after switching to the second-capability communication mode, in the case that all second affiliated STAs comprise affiliated STAs supporting and not supporting switching of the capability communication mode.

[0342] When the Non-AP MLD receives one first initial control frame through the working link of any one first affiliated STA, the first initial control frame comprises a working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second-capability communication mode.

[0343] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0344] The Non-AP MLD receives a third initial control frame, and the third initial control frame is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each second affiliated STA.

[0345] The third initial control frame further comprises third communication parameters of each second affiliated STA, and the third communication parameters comprise at least one of a modulation and coding strategy or a number of spatial streams.

[0346] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0347] After each first affiliated STA switches to the second-capability communication mode, the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through each second affiliated STA.

[0348] The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure is further described below in conjunction with examples.

[0349] Case 1: All the working in eMLSR link or eMLMR link of the Non-AP MLD's affiliated STAs support the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0350] Method 1:

[0351] Step 1: Each affiliated STA working in eMLSR link or eMLMR link of the Non-AP MLD receives an initial control frame sent by the AP MLD.

[0352] The initial control frame received by each affiliated STA working in eMLSR link or eMLMR link is only used to trigger the affiliated STA to switch from the low capability communication mode (the first capability communication mode) to the high capability communication mode (the second capability communication mode), and the initial control frame received by each affiliated STA working in eMLSR link or eMLMR link includes the working bandwidth after the corresponding affiliated STA switches to the high capability communication mode, which is used to identify the MU-RTS frame received by the corresponding affiliated STA again.

[0353] The initial control frame is received in sequence, that is, the affiliated STAs working in eMLSR link or eMLMR link receive the initial control frame in time division.

[0354] Step 2: After each affiliated STA working in eMLSR link or eMLMR link switches to the high capability communication mode, the MU-RTS frame is received again, which carries the communication parameters of each affiliated STA working in eMLSR link or eMLMR link, such as MCS, SS, etc.

[0355] Step 3: The Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through each affiliated STA working in eMLSR link or eMLMR link.

[0356] For example, the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD include STA1-STA5, only STA1 and STA2 in STA1-STA5 support the capability communication mode switching from the low capability communication mode to the high capability communication mode, and STA1 and STA2 work in eMLMR link.

[0357] The AP MLD can send a first initial control frame to STA1 through the eMLMR link where SAT1 is located, which is used to trigger SAT1 to switch from the low capability communication mode to the high capability communication mode, and the AP MLD can send a first initial control frame to STA2 through the eMLMR link where SAT2 is located, which is used to trigger SAT2 to switch from the low capability communication mode to the high capability communication mode.

[0358] The Non-AP MLD triggers the STA1 and the STA2 to switch to the high-capability communication mode after the STA1 and the STA2 receive the first initial control frame. The AP MLD continues to send a second initial control frame after sending the first initial control frame, and triggers the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLMR link where the STA1 is located and the eMLMR link where the STA2 is located. The Non-AP MLD can receive the second initial control frame through the eMLMR link where the STA1 is located and the eMLMR link where the STA2 is located, and communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLMR link where the STA1 is located and the eMLMR link where the STA2 is located.

[0359] For example, the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD include the STA1-STA5, only the STA1 of the STA1-STA5 supports the capability communication mode switching from the low-capability communication mode to the high-capability communication mode, and the STA1 works in the eMLSR link.

[0360] The AP MLD can send a first initial control frame to the STA1 through the eMLSR link where the STA1 is located, to trigger the STA1 to switch from the low-capability communication mode to the high-capability communication mode. The Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame, and triggers the STA1 to switch to the high-capability communication mode after the STA1 receives the first initial control frame. The AP MLD continues to send a second initial control frame after sending the first initial control frame, and triggers the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLSR link where the STA1 is located. The Non-AP MLD can receive the second initial control frame through the eMLSR link where the STA1 is located, and communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLSR link where the STA1 is located.

[0361] Method 2:

[0362] Step 1, the Non-AP MLD receives an initial control frame sent by the AP MLD through an affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link.

[0363] The received initial control frame is only used to trigger each affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link to switch from the low-capability communication mode (the first capability communication mode) to the high-capability communication mode (the second capability communication mode), and the received initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link after switching to the high-capability communication mode, and the working bandwidth corresponding to each affiliated STA is used to identify that the corresponding affiliated STA receives the MU-RTS frame again.

[0364] The initial control frame includes a bitmap, and each identification bit of the bitmap identifies that an affiliated STA under a corresponding communication link switches from a low-capability communication mode to a high-capability communication mode after receiving the initial control frame.

[0365] Step 2: After each affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link switches to the high-capability communication mode, the affiliated STA receives a MU-RTS frame again, and the MU-RTS frame carries communication parameters of each affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link, such as an MCS, an SS, and the like.

[0366] Step 3: The Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through each affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link.

[0367] For example, the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD include STAs 1-5, only STAs 1 and 2 of the STAs 1-5 support the capability communication mode switching from the low-capability communication mode to the high-capability communication mode, and the STAs 1 and 2 work in the eMLMR link.

[0368] The AP MLD can send a first initial control frame through the eMLMR link where the STA 1 is located or the eMLMR link where the STA 2 is located, to trigger the STA 1 to switch from the low-capability communication mode to the high-capability communication mode and trigger the STA 2 to switch from the low-capability communication mode to the high-capability communication mode.

[0369] After the Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame, the STA 1 and the STA 2 are triggered to switch to the high-capability communication mode. After the AP MLD sends the first initial control frame, the AP MLD continues to send a second initial control frame to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLMR link where the STA 1 is located and the eMLMR link where the STA 2 is located. The Non-AP MLD can receive the second initial control frame through the eMLMR link where the STA 1 is located and the eMLMR link where the STA 2 is located, and communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLMR link where the STA 1 is located and the eMLMR link where the STA 2 is located.

[0370] For example, the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD include STAs 1-5, only STA 1 of the STAs 1-5 supports the capability communication mode switching from the low-capability communication mode to the high-capability communication mode, and the STA 1 works in the eMLSR link.

[0371] The AP MLD can send a first initial control frame to the STA1 through the eMLSR link where the SAT1 is located, to trigger the SAT1 to switch from the low-capability communication mode to the high-capability communication mode. The Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame after the STA1 receives the first initial control frame, to trigger the STA1 to switch to the high-capability communication mode. The AP MLD continues to send a second initial control frame after sending the first initial control frame, to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLSR link where the STA1 is located. The Non-AP MLD can receive the second initial control frame through the eMLSR link where the STA1 is located, and communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLSR link where the STA1 is located.

[0372] Method 3:

[0373] Step 1, receive the initial control frame in the form of method 1.

[0374] The initial control frame received by each affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link is used to trigger the affiliated STA to switch from the low-capability communication mode (the first-capability communication mode) to the high-capability communication mode (the second-capability communication mode), and to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each affiliated STA receiving the first initial control frame.

[0375] Step 2, the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through each affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link.

[0376] For example, the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD include STA1-STA5, only STA1 and STA2 in STA1-STA5 support the capability communication mode switching from the low-capability communication mode to the high-capability communication mode, and STA1 and STA2 work in the eMLMR link.

[0377] The AP MLD can send a first initial control frame to the STA1 through the eMLMR link where the SAT1 is located, to trigger the SAT1 to switch from the low-capability communication mode to the high-capability communication mode, and to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLMR link where the STA is located. The AP MLD can send a first initial control frame to the STA2 through the eMLMR link where the SAT2 is located, to trigger the SAT2 to switch from the low-capability communication mode to the high-capability communication mode, and to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLMR link where the STA2 is located. The Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through the eMLMR link where the STA1 and the STA2 are located after the STA1 and the STA2 switch to the high-capability communication mode.

[0378] For example, the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD include STA1-STA5, only STA1 of STA1-STA5 supports the capability communication mode switching from the low capability communication mode to the high capability communication mode, and STA1 works in the eMLSR link.

[0379] The AP MLD can send a first initial control frame to STA1 through the eMLSR link where STA1 is located, to trigger STA1 to switch from the low capability communication mode to the high capability communication mode, and to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLSR link where the STAs are located. After STA1 switches to the high capability communication mode, the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through the eMLSR link where STA1 is located.

[0380] Case two: all the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link, including the affiliated STAs supporting and not supporting the capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0381] Step 1: each affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD in the low capability communication mode and working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link receives the initial control frame sent by the AP MLD, and the receiving manner and the related description of the initial control frame can be referred to the manner shown in method 1 or method 2 in case one.

[0382] Step 2: after each affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD in the low capability communication mode and working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link switches to the high capability communication mode, each affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link receives the MU-RTS frame again, and the MU-RTS frame carries the communication parameters of each affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link, such as MCS, SS, etc.

[0383] Step 3: the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through each affiliated STA working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link.

[0384] For example, the affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD include STA1-STA5, only STA1 and STA2 of STA1-STA5 support the capability communication mode switching from the low capability communication mode to the high capability communication mode, and STA1-STA3 work in the eMLMR link.

[0385] The AP MLD can send a first initial control frame to STA1 through the eMLME link where SAT1 is located, to trigger SAT1 to switch from the low-capability communication mode to the high-capability communication mode. The AP MLD can send a first initial control frame to STA2 through the eMLME link where SAT2 is located, to trigger SAT2 to switch from the low-capability communication mode to the high-capability communication mode.

[0386] After the Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame, the Non-AP MLD triggers STA1 and STA2 to switch to the high-capability communication mode. After the AP MLD sends the first initial control frame, the AP MLD continues to send a second initial control frame, to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLME link where STA1-STA3 are located. The Non-AP MLD can receive the second initial control frame through the eMLME link where STA1-STA3 are located, and communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLME link where STA1-STA3 are located.

[0387] Alternatively, the AP MLD can send a first initial control frame through the eMLME link where STA1 is located or the eMLME link where STA2 is located, to trigger SAT1 to switch from the low-capability communication mode to the high-capability communication mode, and to trigger SAT2 to switch from the low-capability communication mode to the high-capability communication mode.

[0388] After the Non-AP MLD receives the first initial control frame, the Non-AP MLD triggers STA1 and STA2 to switch to the high-capability communication mode. After the AP MLD sends the first initial control frame, the AP MLD continues to send a second initial control frame, to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLME link where STA1-STA3 are located. The Non-AP MLD can receive the second initial control frame through the eMLME link where STA1-STA3 are located, and communicate with the AP MLD through the eMLME link where STA1-STA3 are located.

[0389] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AP MLD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the AP MLD 500 can include a processing module 510 and a transceiver module 520.

[0390] In some embodiments, the processing module 510 is configured to determine at least one first initial control frame, the first initial control frame being used to trigger at least one first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; the first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link; at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode lower than a value in the second capability communication mode.

[0391] The transceiver module 520 is configured to send the at least one first initial control frame.

[0392] Optionally, the processing module 510 is configured to perform at least one of the processing steps performed by the AP MLD in any of the above methods (for example, step S31, but not limited thereto), which will not be described herein again. The transceiver module 520 is configured to perform at least one of the transceiving steps performed by the AP MLD in any of the above methods (for example, step S211, step S213, step S214, step S221, step S223, step S224, step S231, step S233, step S241, step S243, step S244, step S251, step S253, step S254, step S32, but not limited thereto), which will not be described herein again.

[0393] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a Non-AP MLD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the Non-AP MLD 600 can include a transceiver module 610.

[0394] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 610 is configured to receive at least one first initial control frame, the first initial control frame being used to trigger at least one first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; the first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link; at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode lower than a value in the second capability communication mode.

[0395] Optionally, the transceiver module 610 is configured to perform at least one of the receiving and / or transmitting steps performed by the Non-AP MLD in any of the above methods (for example, step S214, step S224, step S233, step S244, step S254, step S41, but not limited thereto), which will not be repeated here. The Non-AP MLD 600 further includes a processing module 620, configured to perform at least one of the processing steps performed by the Non-AP MLD in any of the above methods (for example, step S212, step S222, step S232, step S242, step S252, but not limited thereto), which will not be repeated here.

[0396] It should be understood that the division of the above units or modules is only a logical functional division, and all or part of them can be integrated into one physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules can be implemented in the form of processor calling software: for example, including a processor connected with a memory, the memory storing instructions, and the processor calling the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or realize the functions of the above units or modules, wherein the processor is, for example, a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is an internal or external memory of the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, and the functions of part or all of the units or modules can be realized by the design of hardware circuit. The above hardware circuit can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of part or all of the above units or modules are realized by the design of the logical relationship between the elements in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above hardware circuit is a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is taken as an example, which can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by a configuration file, so as to realize the functions of part or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented in the form of processor calling software, or all units or modules can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, or part of the units or modules can be implemented in the form of processor calling software, and the remaining part can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit.

[0397] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and running capability, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), a digital signal processor (DSP), and the like. In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through a logical relationship of hardware circuit, and the logical relationship of the hardware circuit is fixed or can be reconfigured. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In the reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the configuration of the hardware circuit. It can be understood that the processor loads instructions to implement the functions of the above part or all units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), and the like.

[0398] FIG. 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 700 can be an AP MLD or a Non-AP MLD, or a chip, a chip system, a logic entity, or a processor supporting the implementation of the above-mentioned any method of the AP MLD or the Non-AP MLD. The communication device can be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiments, and specific implementation can be referred to the description in the above method embodiments.

[0399] As shown in FIG. 7, the communication device 700 includes one or more processors 701. The processor 701 can be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processor. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processor can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, and the like), execute programs, and process data of the programs. The communication device 700 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0400] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 further includes one or more memories 702 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 702 can also be outside the communication device 700.

[0401] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 further includes one or more transceivers 703. When the communication device 700 includes one or more transceivers 703, the transceiver 703 performs at least one of the communication steps (such as steps S211, steps S213, steps S214, steps S221, steps S223, steps S224, steps S231, steps S233, steps S241, steps S243, steps S244, steps S251, steps S253, steps S254, steps S32, steps S41, but not limited to) in the above-mentioned methods, and the processor 701 performs at least one of the other steps (such as steps S212, steps S222, steps S232, steps S242, steps S252, steps S31, but not limited to).

[0402] In some embodiments, the transceiver can include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0403] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 can include one or more interface circuits 704. Optionally, the interface circuit 704 is connected with the memory 702, and the interface circuit 704 can be used to receive signals from the memory 702 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 702 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 704 can read the instructions stored in the memory 702, and send the instructions to the processor 701.

[0404] The communication device 700 in the above embodiments can be an AP MLD or a Non-AP MLD, but the scope of the communication device 700 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 700 can not be limited by FIG. 7. The communication device can be a standalone device or can be part of a larger device. For example, the above communication device can be: 1) a standalone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, which can optionally also include storage components for storing data, programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handset, mobile unit, car-mounted device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, and the like; (6) other devices, and the like.

[0405] FIG. 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a chip 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The chip 800 includes one or more processors 801, and the chip 800 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0406] In some embodiments, the chip 800 further includes one or more interface circuits 803. Optionally, the interface circuit 803 is connected with the memory 802, and the interface circuit 803 can be configured to receive signals from the memory 802 or other devices, and the interface circuit 803 can be configured to send signals to the memory 802 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 803 can read instructions stored in the memory 802 and send the instructions to the processor 801.

[0407] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 803 performs at least one of the communication steps (such as steps S211, S213, S214, S221, S223, S224, S231, S233, S241, S243, S244, S251, S253, S254, S32, S41, but not limited thereto) in the above methods, and the processor 801 performs at least one of the other steps (such as steps S212, S222, S232, S242, S252, S31, but not limited thereto).

[0408] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver can be replaced with each other.

[0409] In some embodiments, the chip 800 further includes one or more memories 802 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 802 can be outside the chip 800.

[0410] The disclosure further provides a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 700, cause the communication device 700 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and can also be a storage medium readable by other apparatuses. Optionally, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0411] The disclosure further provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 700, causes the communication device 700 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0412] The disclosure further provides a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods. The above description is merely preferred embodiments of the disclosure and a description of the principles of the technology applied. Those skilled in the art should understand that the disclosed scope of the disclosure is not limited to the technical solutions formed by the specific combinations of the above technical features, and should also cover other technical solutions formed by any combinations of the above technical features or their equivalent features without departing from the above disclosed concept. For example, the above features are replaced with the technical features disclosed in the disclosure (but not limited to) having similar functions to form technical solutions.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: The multi-link access point device AP MLD determines at least one first initial control frame, the first initial control frame being used to trigger at least one first affiliated station device STA of a multi-link station device Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; the first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an enhanced multi-link single radio eMLSR link or an enhanced multi-link multi-radio eMLMR link; at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode lower than a value in the second capability communication mode; The AP MLD sends the at least one first initial control frame.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The AP MLD sends the at least one first initial control frame, comprising: The AP MLD sends one first initial control frame through a working link of each of the first affiliated STAs, respectively, each of the first initial control frames being used to trigger the corresponding first affiliated STA on the working link to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode; or The AP MLD sends one first initial control frame through a working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, the first initial control frame being used to trigger each of the first affiliated STAs to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, In the case that the AP MLD sends one first initial control frame through a working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, and each of the first affiliated STAs works in an eMLMR link, the first initial control frame comprises a bit map; The bit map comprises at least one first identification bit, each of the first identification bits corresponding to a communication link, and each of the first identification bits having a first value indicating that the corresponding affiliated STA on the communication link switches from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, and each of the first identification bits having a second value indicating that the corresponding affiliated STA on the communication link does not need to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode. The first identification bit associated with the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link where each of the first affiliated STAs is located has the first value.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, All of the second affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD support the capability communication mode switching, or all of the second affiliated STAs comprise affiliated STAs supporting and not supporting the capability communication mode switching. The second affiliated STAs are affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD working in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, In a case where all the second affiliated STAs support the capability communication mode switching, when the AP MLD respectively sends a first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA, each first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, or includes the first communication parameter of each first affiliated STA, and the first communication parameter includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode. When the AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, In a case where each first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, or the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, the method further includes: The AP MLD sends a second initial control frame, and the second initial control frame is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each first affiliated STA; wherein the second initial control frame further includes the second communication parameter of each first affiliated STA, and the second communication parameter does not include the working bandwidth after switching to the second capability communication mode.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein, In a case where each first initial control frame includes the first communication parameter, each first initial control frame is further used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the corresponding first affiliated STA of the communication link, and the first communication parameter in each first initial control frame further includes at least one of the modulation and coding strategy or the number of spatial streams of the corresponding first affiliated STA of the communication link.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein, In a case where all the second affiliated STAs include affiliated STAs that support and do not support the capability communication mode switching, when the AP MLD respectively sends a first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA, each first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode. When the AP MLD sends a first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The method further includes: The AP MLD sends a third initial control frame, and the third initial control frame is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each second affiliated STA; The third initial control frame further includes a third communication parameter of each of the second affiliated STAs, and the third communication parameter is at least one of a modulation and coding strategy or a number of spatial streams.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: After each of the first affiliated STAs switches to the second capability communication mode, the AP MLD communicates with the Non-AP MLD through each of the second affiliated STAs.

11. A communication method, comprising: The method includes: The Non-AP MLD receives at least one first initial control frame, and the first initial control frame is used to trigger at least one first affiliated STA of the Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; the first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link; at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode lower than a value in the second capability communication mode.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The Non-AP MLD receives the at least one first initial control frame, including: The Non-AP MLD receives one first initial control frame through a working link of each of the first affiliated STAs, and each of the first initial control frames is used to trigger the first affiliated STA corresponding to the working link to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode; or The Non-AP MLD receives one first initial control frame through a working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, and the first initial control frame is used to trigger each of the first affiliated STAs to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, In a case where the AP MLD sends one first initial control frame through a working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, and each of the first affiliated STAs works in an eMLMR link, the first initial control frame includes a bit map; The bit map includes at least one first identification bit, each of the first identification bits corresponds to a communication link, and each of the first identification bits has a first value when identifying that the affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link switches from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, and has a second value when identifying that the affiliated STA corresponding to the communication link does not need to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode. The first identification bit associated with the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link where each of the first affiliated STAs is located has the first value.

14. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, All of the second affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD support the capability communication mode switching, or all of the second affiliated STAs include affiliated STAs that support and do not support the capability communication mode switching. The second affiliated STAs are affiliated STAs of the Non-AP MLD working in the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, In a case that all the second affiliated STAs support the capability communication mode switching, when the Non-AP MLD respectively receives a first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA, each first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, or includes the first communication parameter of each first affiliated STA, and the first communication parameter includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode. When the Non-AP MLD receives a first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, In a case that each first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, or the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode, the method further includes: The Non-AP MLD receives a second initial control frame, and the second initial control frame is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each first affiliated STA; wherein the second initial control frame further includes the second communication parameter of each first affiliated STA, and the second communication parameter does not include the working bandwidth after switching to the second capability communication mode.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein, When each first initial control frame includes the first communication parameter, each first initial control frame is further used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through the corresponding first affiliated STA of the communication link, and each first initial control frame further includes at least one of the modulation and coding strategy or the number of spatial streams of the corresponding first affiliated STA of the communication link.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein, In a case that the all second affiliated STAs include affiliated STAs that support and do not support the capability communication mode switching, when the Non-AP MLD respectively receives a first initial control frame through the working link of each first affiliated STA, each first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of the corresponding first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode; When the Non-AP MLD receives a first initial control frame through the working link of any one of the first affiliated STAs, the first initial control frame includes the working bandwidth of each first affiliated STA after switching to the second capability communication mode.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The method further includes: The Non-AP MLD receives a third initial control frame, and the third initial control frame is used to trigger the Non-AP MLD to communicate with the AP MLD through each second affiliated STA; The third initial control frame further includes third communication parameters of each of the second affiliated STAs, the third communication parameters being at least one of modulation and coding strategy or spatial stream number. The method further includes:

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that, After each of the first affiliated STAs switches to the second capability communication mode, the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through each of the second affiliated STAs. Comprise:

21. An AP MLD, wherein A processing module is configured to determine at least one first initial control frame, the first initial control frame being used to trigger at least one first affiliated STA of a Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; The first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link; at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode lower than a value in the second capability communication mode; A transceiver module is configured to send the at least one first initial control frame. Comprise:

22. A Non-AP MLD, characterized in that, A transceiver module is configured to receive at least one first initial control frame, the first initial control frame being used to trigger at least one first affiliated STA of a Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; The first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link; at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode lower than a value in the second capability communication mode. Comprise:

23. A communications device, characterized by One or more processors; The processor is configured to perform the communication method in any one of claims 1-10 or claims 11-20. The storage medium stores instructions, when the instructions run on the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method in any one of claims 1-10 or claims 11-20.

24. A storage medium characterized by The AP MLD determines and sends at least one first initial control frame, the first initial control frame being used to trigger at least one first affiliated station device STA of the Non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; 25. A communication system comprising an AP MLD and a Non-AP MLD; wherein, The first affiliated STA supports capability communication mode switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, and works in an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link; at least one working parameter of the first affiliated STA has a value in the first capability communication mode lower than a value in the second capability communication mode; and the Non-AP MLD receives the at least one first initial control frame. ​

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